Septoplasty

Definition

Septoplasty is a surgery to straighten a
deviated septum
. The septum is the wall dividing the left and right nasal cavities. It is made of cartilage and bone and is lined with a thin mucus membrane.

A normal septum is straight and in the center of the nose. A deviated septum is bent or off-center. Septal deviation may occur during development in the womb, during birth, as your nose grows, or after a traumatic injury. Septoplasty may be done at the same time as other nasal surgery, like
rhinoplasty
.

Reasons for Procedure

Septoplasty is considered if a deviated septum obstructs your nasal passages. The obstruction can cause impaired nasal breathing,
sinus infections
,
obstructive sleep apnea
, recurrent
nose bleeds
, or a runny nose. A deviated septum may also need to be corrected with septoplasty if it causes chronic headaches.

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

To prepare for surgery, follow any instructions provided by your doctor.

Talk to your doctor about your medications, including vitamins, herbs, or dietary supplements. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.

If you are having local anesthesia for the procedure, it is likely that no other special preparation is needed. If you will be having general anesthesia, your doctor will give you additional instructions.

Anesthesia

Septoplasty can be done using local or
general
anesthesia. Local anesthesia will numb the area. General anesthesia will put you to sleep.

Description of the Procedure

An incision will be made inside the nose. The lining of the septum will be lifted up and out of the way.
The bent bone or cartilage will be straightened by moving it, reshaping it, or cutting off the bent piece. After the repair is done, the lining will be replaced over the top of the septum. Gauze may be placed in the nose to soak up any blood. A plastic splint may also be inserted to keep the septum in place while it heals.

How Long Will It Take?

About 1 to 1-½ hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Average Hospital Stay

Most people leave the care center after 3-4 hours.

Postoperative Care

At the Care Center

During your stay, the care center staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

Washing their hands

Wearing gloves or masks

Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding your healthcare providers to do the same

Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks

Not allowing others to touch your incision

At Home

If nasal packing is used, it is removed 1-2 days after the surgery. The splint remains in the nose for up to a week. After the surgery, do the following to ensure a smooth recovery:

Try to breathe through your mouth for the first few days.

Do not blow your nose, even though you may be stuffy after the procedure.

Keep your head elevated when lying down for the first 1-2 days.

Apply ice packs to your nose to reduce pain and swelling.

Do not take aspirin products for pain.

Your doctor may want to see you for a follow-up visit to monitor healing or to remove the gauze packing or splint.

Call Your Doctor

It is important for you to monitor your recovery after you leave the care center. Alert your doctor to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site

Heavy bleeding

Packing from your nose falls into the back of your throat, causing discomfort

Persistent nausea and/or vomiting

Vomit that is bloody or the color of coffee grounds

Pain that you cannot control with the medications you have been given

Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.